Marcin Bieniek

The world of tennis is full of unpredictable factors. This unpredictability creates a lot of pressure on the players and that is why this individual sport is not one of the easiest to participate in. Anyone, who has played tennis before, knows that most of the time, players have to deal with various challenges to maintain an effective level of their own performance. The number of challenges is not controllable but the reaction to these challenges definitely is.

As a former player and current coach of players competing at the international level, I don’t expect every practice to be great. I don’t expect either that players will play their best every day of the season. I am aware of the fact that it is almost impossible to maintain a high level of play with so much volume and intensity but at the same time, I am aware also that it is not necessary to play your own best every day to achieve great results. What I expect from my players is to always give (not play!) their own best and to look for solutions to different challenges that happen on and off the court.

If we take a closer look at the tennis career, we can simply understand that every day we will be facing different challenges. Here is the list of potential challenges that can occur:

• Morning training time
• Lost match in the previous tournament
• Small pain in your leg
• Hitting partner that we don’t like
• Old balls
• Windy conditions
• Problems at school
• Injury
• Tiredness

As you can see, these challenges address different areas of our life but they all CAN have a negative impact on a player’s mindset, attitude, performance, and results. A lot of players expect smooth conditions while having the plan but when the first obstacle comes, they are not ready to face it effectively. To have a successful tennis career, we have to include the challenges because they will happen at all stages of development. However, the positive fact is that we can develop specific routines that will help us to play effectively even when the challenges look like it is impossible to do.

The next time you are missing too many forehands / losing to inferior player / having an injury / struggling with focus, make sure you go through this proven formula to make another step forward and get closer to achieve your goals.

1. Accept the challenges

The acceptance is crucial. If you accept something, you don’t treat it as something negative. You accept the fact that you have to train to play better as also you accept the fact that if you don’t stretch after the practice, the probability of getting injured increases. The same approach is needed while facing the challenge – accept it and focus on solving the problem.

2. What can I do to become successful?

Adaptation. The keyword in this stage. There are various challenges but a successful tennis player always tries to adapt to difficult situations. Windy day? Plan how to play tactically to reduce the number of unforced errors. Lack of energy? Use positive affirmation or go buy an energy gel. Fearful of the incoming match? Focus on what you can control and remind yourself that it is your choice to be where you are.

3. Activate internal motivation

How badly do you want to change the challenging situation into more comfortable one? The answer is in your internal motivation. Don’t wait for the parent to scream. Don’t blame the coach that he doesn’t help you. Don’t accept the fact that it will be bad practice. Activate your internal motivation and change everything in few minutes. Find the reason why you shouldn’t give up and set goals to achieve. The best athletes are responsible for their careers and that is why they use internal motivation to always improve – even when it is their worst day of play.

Challenges – for ones it is the sign of fear but for others, it is the exciting moment of testing own skills. If you think about being successful athlete, you should take the second approach. Every time you or your partner starts to complain about something, it means the challenge is on. Remind yourself about this article and follow the steps of the champions – accept, adapt and activate!

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